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Summary

In an increasingly globalized society, a variety of leaders of government, industry and education have stressed the need for the youth of today to be more aware of global events and better prepared to function in a diverse society. In order to encourage and enable the youth of Georgia to become more globally aware, Georgia 4-H has identified and developed a variety of educational opportunities and resources for both 4-H leaders and volunteers as well as 4-H youth.

Situation

In 35 years the U.S. trade deficit has gone from $0 to $800,000,000,000. In the 21st Century, U.S. students will face greater competition for jobs than at anytime in history. U.S. students are less likely to speak a second language or have traveled abroad. UNESCO, 2003 Global Awareness and Cultural Competency are not just nice sounding, abstract concepts. Globalized markets require a broader understanding of world issues. Domestic issues of health, safety, economic development and education, even at the local level, are all impacted by world events. The following people have all stressed the need for youth in the U.S. to be prepared for life in a globalized society: UGA President, Michael Adams Georgia Governor, Sonny Perdue Secretary of State, Condaleeza Rice Secretary of Education, Margaret Spellings The ability to document knowledge of foreign countries or cultures will benefit youth in: 4-H Project Work College Admissions Career Opportunities Solving the World's Problems In the past, 4-H Global Programs consisted entirely of international hosting or travel opportunities. While these opportunities were excellent experiences, there was little flexibility in terms of scheduling and little opportunity to engage youth in families in meaningful youth development activities during the exchange. Furthermore, the commitment required in terms of time and finances rendered the opportunities inaccessible to a vast majority of 4-H youth. Therefore, we needed to identify new opportunities for youth that are more inclusive and can engage youth throughout the year. Furthermore, there is a need to identify opportunities and resources that agents can use in club meetings, as well as youth lead opportunities for individual project work.

Response

In response to this need for more diverse opportunities and experiences, we have identified a variety of opportunities for global learning. We have promoted these opportunities at District Updates, GAE4-HA Meetings, Volunteer Leader Forum, regular Global Programs Updates sent to the Agent Listserv as well as the 4-H Global Programs website, www.georgia4hinternational.org. We have promoted these opportunities directly to 4-H youth at 4-H State Council through announcements and a display in the auditorium. We currently have trainings planned for Winter Conference as well as a stand alone in-service training on Internationalizing Your 4-H Curriculum. In the past year, we have identified and promoted the following new opportunities. Curriculum & Lesson Plans New Goals and Objectives for Global Education & Cross-Cultural Awareness Cross Cultural Curriculum from the Peace Corps and other Providers Online Lesson Plans DVD's and Online Media New International Exchange Opportunities (Flexible Schedules and A Wider Selection of Participating Countries) Hosting Opportunities Travel Opportunities 4-H Global Awareness Ambassadors Program This new track was offered as part of the 4-H Ambassadors Program Global Correspondence (No Travel Required) 4-H Around the World Global Pen Pal Program Online Global Pen Pal Program Peace Corp Volunteer Correspondence Program Global Service Projects Global Youth Service Day Statewide Events with a Global Focus State Council, 2007 – Global Quiz Bowl: Iron Clover Event Fall Forum, 2007 – 4-H & UGA International Student Organizations: A Day in the Life Project State Council, 2008 – Global Issues Theme Georgia 4-H Global Awareness Certificate Program This non-competitive recognition program for 4-H'ers with a global interest will recognizes a cumulative body of research and/or leadership activities with a global focus.

Impact

Every county who attended District Updates received a packet with information about the importance of global awareness and the opportunities available to them and the youth in their counties. In the first year of existence five 4-H youth participated in the 4-H Ambassadors Program, Global Awareness track. During the Ambassador Training Weekend, these youth participated in six hours of research and discussion of global issues. They identified issues and developed plans for educating other youth. These youth are very enthusiastic about global issues and are reporting monthly on their projects. After viewing the 4-H Global Programs display board at the GAE4-HA meeting, twenty one agents requested global awareness curriculum from the Peace Corps, Paul Coverdell Worldwise Schools. We have contacted every 4-H club around the world listed on the National 4-H Council website. We have heard back from seven countries and are in the process of developing a 4-H Global Connections Template that will provide information about youth and youth programming in all these countries. Once completed, we will post this information online and ask 4-H'ers to respond to the questions posed by their counterparts in other countries. In collaboration with the UGA Office of International Student Life (ISL), we have interviewed and videotaped twenty-two student organizations. We will present this information at 4-H Fall Forum and are in discussions with ISL about the possibility of posting these clips online for 4-H youth to view them or post them on iTunesU. Seven 4-H'ers from six counties have been experimenting with ePals, an online peer to peer network of students and teachers from all over the world. As administrator, I have had to learn a great deal about setting up accounts, granting privileges and dealing with other technical concerns, so things are not moving as quickly as I would like. The 4-H Global Awareness Ambassadors have provided input on the guidelines for the 4-H Global Awareness Certificate Program. 4-H'ers will be able to submit their portfolios and have them evaluated to see if they meet the required standards for this new award, which is designed to draw attention to 4-H'ers global awareness activities on applications for college and scholarships. At the 2007 State 4-H Council, teams from every district competed in the Global Awareness Quiz Bowl as part of the Iron Clover Competition.

State Issue

Civic Engagement for Youth

Details

  • Year: 2007
  • Geographic Scope: State
  • County: Clarke
  • Program Areas:
    • 4-H Youth

Author

  • Buckley, Jeffrey D.
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